WHO Are We? You ask.
We are the Windy City Wanderers, a father and son rally team entered in one of the last great adventures on earth, The Mongol Rally. For more info on us see our "Meet the Team" page.
WHAT is the Mongol rally? First a bit of history:
Back in 2001 Mr Tom and his good friend Mr Julian Esq. were living in the Czech Republic. In a moment of slight drunken stupidity they bought the worst Fiat 126 in Europe at a totally extortionate price. They pointed it towards the most stupid place they could think of on a map - Mongolia - and off they set with a pack of cheap cigars a hunting knife and no changes of clothes. They failed miserably to get there but had so much fun and stank so much that they swore to try again. By 2003 the Mongol Rally took over Tom's life and he wandered the streets asking people if it was possible to drive to Mongolia in Fiat 126. The answer was a resounding no. So after deciding that everyone was wrong, rough plans were made up. Figuring that there were not enough Fiat 126's in England for the millions of people who obviously were going to take part in the first Mongol Rally he slackened the rules to “any car under 1 litre and totally unsuitable for the task”. As the years ticked by more people found out about the Mongol Rally and in 2004 a whole 6 cars lined up in the back room of a bar in Shoreditch. Off 
they set and 4 of these gullible teams made it to the other end. So started the Mighty Mongol Rally.
Since then word has spread and in 2009 there were 500 teams registered for the 5th running of the now infamous Mongol Rally. Despite the fact that there is no support along the way and the cars are totally unsuitable for more than popping down to the market. Teams will cross 3 deserts, 5 mountain ranges, the Caspian Sea, face break downs, language barriers, armed bandits, and corrupt officials. 2010 has all the markings of being the biggest year yet!
Who would take on such a ridiculous adventure?? Well, for some the world is just a little bit too safe. Gone are the days where the edge of the map called you forth to discover what lay beyond - satellite maps and GPS have it laid out before you leave the armchair. What if you want things to go wrong? What if you want a bit of unknown in a world full health and safety measures? Start from England, Spain or Italy, travel between about 8 and 10,000 miles, in a car that has an engine with no bigger than 1.2 litre, and finish in the Mongolian capital Ulaan Baatar around four weeks and a whole heap of adventure later. Adventure, it makes the heart race, palms sweat and the stomach a bit queasy. Isn't it grand?!
Aside from taking your life into your own hands and dropping off the map for a few weeks why would someone take this on? To do a little good in the world that's why. Every team must raise a minimum of 1000 GBP (@1800 USD) for one of the official charities. We have chosen Mercy Corps, An international relief fund. For more info check out our charity page. In addition to the money raised we will be donating our car to "Adventures for Development"so they may raise more money by auctioning it off (or at least whatever is left of it). We will also be donating all of our camping and outdoor gear to help nomadic families in Mongolia. Any funds remaining in our coffers will be sent off to Mercy Corps upon our return.
HOW Can you Help? I'm glad you asked. Take a look at our "Getting Involved" page for information on how you can get involved and become part of this grand adventure, or contact us at BigE@WindyCityWanderers.org . Be sure to check our "Sponsor" page to see the fine folks and businesses who are helping to make this event happen.